Opem, Central Region — Traditional authorities in Nkusukum Opem have officially launched the Nkusukum Opem Okyir Festival 2026, calling for greater national support to preserve Ghana’s indigenous food heritage while promoting cultural tourism and community development.
The festival, which was launched on Saturday, 27th June, 2026, will be held under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage Through Indigenous Foods and Fundraising for an Ultra-Modern Durbar Ground.”
The theme reflects a commitment to protecting traditional culinary practices while mobilising resources to develop permanent infrastructure for cultural activities.
The week-long festival is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 22 September to Monday, 28 September 2026, and is expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, cultural organisations, researchers, tourists, Content Creators and diasporas.
Speaking during a live interview on Mfantseman 104.1 FM, Nana Yamoah II, Omankrado of Nkusukum Opem and Chairman of the Okyir Festival 2026 Planning Committee, described the festival as one of the Central Region’s leading cultural celebrations.
He said the Okyir Festival has evolved beyond an annual traditional gathering into a platform for promoting Ghana’s history, indigenous knowledge, cultural identity, and local economic development.
“Indigenous Ghanaian foods remain a vital part of the country’s heritage, reflecting generations of knowledge, agricultural traditions, and community values. He said preserving these traditions is essential at a time when changing lifestyles and globalisation continue to influence food choices.” Nana added
Nana Yamoah II called on the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the National Commission on Culture, corporate organisations, and development partners to provide greater institutional support for the festival.
He further stressed that such support would help elevate the Nkusukum Opem Okyir Festival into a nationally recognised cultural event capable of attracting visitors from across Ghana, Africa, and the wider diaspora, while contributing to the country’s tourism and creative economy.
This year’s programme places particular emphasis on indigenous food preparation and communal dining traditions, with organisers saying the festival will encourage younger generations to appreciate locally produced foods and traditional cooking methods passed down through families over centuries.
Among the activities planned are an Ancestral Visit to the sacred Nana Opem Ɛnyim River and Forest, where traditional rites will be observed to honour the ancestors, an Indigenous Food Cooking and Sharing Ceremony, an All White Friday Float Night, an Okyir Health Walk and Free Health Screening Exercise, a Football Gala, Street Arts and Cultural Performances, a Traditional Bonfire Ceremony, and a Grand Durbar of Chiefs and People.
The festival combines cultural, educational, health and recreational activities aimed at strengthening community participation while preserving traditions that have shaped the identity of the Nkusukum people.
The Indigenous Food Cooking and Sharing Ceremony is expected to be one of the festival’s highlights, bringing together households, traditional leaders and visitors to prepare and share a variety of locally prepared meals.
Organisers believe the event will help preserve traditional recipes, promote healthy eating through locally grown produce and encourage greater appreciation of Ghana’s diverse culinary heritage.
This year’s edition will also serve as a homecoming, bringing together families from across Ghana and abroad to reconnect with their roots, renew family ties, and celebrate the customs and traditions that unite the community.
Beyond its cultural significance, organisers say the festival is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating opportunities for farmers, food vendors, artisans, transport operators, accommodation providers, and small businesses.
Another major objective is to raise funds towards the construction of an ultra-modern Durbar Ground in Opem. The
proposed facility will provide a permanent venue for traditional ceremonies, festivals, cultural exhibitions, educational programmes, and community events. They say it will also strengthen Opem’s capacity to host national and international cultural gatherings while promoting tourism and preserving the area’s cultural heritage.
Speaking at the launch, Nana Kobea VIII, Odzikro of Opem, appealed to residents, businesses, philanthropists, development partners and members of the Ghanaian diaspora to support both the festival and the fundraising campaign.
He described the proposed Durbar Ground as an investment in the future of the community, saying it would serve generations to come while preserving the traditions and values of the Nkusukum Opem.
The organising committee, Nkusukum Opem Okyir Festival 2026, seeks not only to celebrate the community’s history and cultural identity but also to demonstrate how culture can support sustainable development, strengthen social cohesion and promote Ghana’s indigenous heritage on the national and international stage.
